using medication to reduce hormone levels and pause sexual development for a few years

Treatment with medication is usually only recommended if it's thought early puberty will cause emotional or physical problems, such as a very short stature or early periods in girls, which may cause significant distress.

Delayed puberty

Delayed puberty is when:

boys have no signs of testicular development by 14 years of age

girls have not started to develop breasts by 13 years of age, or they have developed breasts but their periods have not started by 15

Causes of delayed puberty

It's not always clear what causes delayed puberty. It may just be a tendency that runs in your family. Delayed puberty is generally more common in boys.

Tests and treatments for delayed puberty

Your GP may refer you to a specialist if they think there could be an underlying cause of delayed puberty that needs to be investigated.

Tests that may be carried out include a blood test to check hormone levels, a hand X-ray to help determine likely adult height, and an ultrasound or MRI scan to check for problems with glands or organs.

Delayed puberty can be treated by:

treating any underlying cause

using medication for a few months to increase hormone levels and trigger the start of puberty

Treatment with medication is usually recommended if the lack of development is causing problems, such as significant distress.